Jared Kushner: BrainCo, Affinity Partners, and the Geopolitics of AI

From negotiating with world leaders to partnering with top entrepreneurs, businessman and investor Jared Kushner has traveled the unique path of bringing private sector knowledge to government work and back again. Jared Kushner joins Sarah Guo and Elad Gil to cover a wide range of topics, from his founding of investment firm Affinity Partners, to his time in government, to his new AI venture BrainCo. Jared discusses Affinity Partners’ mission and strategy, how he has leveraged his government experience in business and investing, and the geopolitics of technological advancements like AI. Plus, he makes a case for why private sector talent should do “tours of duty” in government. Sign up for new podcasts every week. Email feedback to [email protected] Follow us on Twitter: @NoPriorsPod | @Saranormous | @EladGil | @jaredkushner Chapters: 00:00 – Jared Kushner Introduction 00:30 – Starting Affinity Partners Post-Government 01:59 – Value of Global Perspective 03:34 – Ventures with Affinity 05:14 – Evaluating Investments Via Macro Trends 09:09 – Undervalued Countries 12:32 – Origins of BrainCo 16:50 – BrainCo Use Cases 23:49 – BrainCo’s Biggest Challenge 24:47 – Determining Customer Fit 26:39 – AI and Policy 30:03 – Middle East and AI 31:59 – Jared’s Experience in Middle East Diplomacy 40:16 – Brokering Peace Post-October 7th 43:52 – Making Deals with Middle Eastern Partners 47:14 – Jared and Ivanka’s Partnership 49:18 – Benefits of Joining Public Sector from the Private Sector 52:07 – Jared’s Pitch for Serving in Government 56:25 – Jared’s Leadership Style 58:24 – Conclusion